Chapter 21

"It has been too long my dear sister, or should I say duchess Kartier. This place looks rather glum today. Did someone die? *gasp* Don't tell me. Did the old man finally kick the bucket?"

"Shut your much Dietrich." I yelled.

Dietrich Harris, the youngest child in our family whom our elder brother had disowned right after our father's passing. However, thanks to my help, he came upon the title of count when he became my husband's subordinate. Despite the second chance given to him, he continued on to live the same debaucherous life that caused him to lose his place in the family. His dreadful habits have been growing worse lately, which means he is here for money yet again.

"*sigh* Were you the one behind the changes in my plans?"

"Correction dear sister, it was our plan to get rid of the duke and I have as much right to make changes as I see fit."

I ought to wipe that ugly smirk off his face…

"Do you realize what you've done, you incompetent fool?" I yelled as I struck his face.

If only this idiot did not come across my secrets, I would not have to deal with his buffoonery right now. The best solution would be to have him killed; however, it would be too great of a loss for me. Since he lives a life devoid of any attachments, I can't even threaten him. All I can do is bribe him in order to keep his wretched mouth shut.

"Oh sister, sister, sister…you must be going through quite the ordeal. Your husband's funeral is right around the corner, isn't it? However, do not forget that I hold the key to your life. One word from me and poof goes your reputation, your life, your freedom, etcetera, etcetera. Oh, by the way, how is my sweet niece faring?"

His incessant cackling is giving me a headache. He must not be aware that the duke made it through and now we are being considered as suspects. The only reason there aren't any guards escorting us to prison right now is because they lack concrete evidence to detain us. His presence here is doing us more harm than good.

"Well, dear brother, thanks to you, our plan failed rather miserably, for the duke somehow survived."

As I continued to explain the situation to him, his proud expression had instantly vanished, and his countenance had now turned pale. He quickly slumped on his knees in front of me and started begging for my help. 

++++++

She has been sleeping ever since we left Sir Hayden's facility. The only time she would wake up was to eat. Contrary to what I was told, there doesn't seem to be any improvement in her condition yet. Why is it taking so long for her to recuperate?

"Your mind seems to be elsewhere, your highness."

He has been coming here every single day to see her, even after I advised him not to bother. His reaction when she collapsed so suddenly has been troubling me quite a bit.

"I thought I told you not to come here anymore."

"A letter has arrived from the imperial palace." He said as he extended a small envelope with the emperor's personal seal on it.

This must be about what Duke Kartier mentioned before he departed for Lithiar. 

"Tell me duke Kartier, what are you hiding from me about this little girl?"

"I understand your highness' concerns, however, I am not at liberty to disclose such classified information to you. What I can tell you is that your answer lies in Ecchelon. Though you did not hear that from me."

He was extremely careful with his words, which confirmed my suspicions that my father was likely to be involved. As it stands, Ecchelon is technically our enemy, so why are we trading slaves with them? When their crown princess went missing over a year ago, they suspended the diplomatic negotiations for the alliance indefinitely. Something is amiss here…

"Is something the matter, your highness? Your expression changed rather drastically as you read the letter."

"It seems I must set off on a journey." I responded with a sigh.

"A journey?"

"Indeed, I must represent Alkaraz in the kingdom of Ecchelon, per his majesty's command."

+++++

Where…am I? 

"She's finally awake!"

Who are they? They don't look at all like the maids of the Kartier Duchy. The expression on their faces was unfamiliar, not the disdainful glares I am used to.

"M-my lady, are you alright? How are you feeling? Are you hurting anywhere?"

"Slow down Cassie, she merely just woke up. Give her some time."

Are they pretending to be nice? If so, they are such talented actresses.

"If I may ask, where am I?" I stuttered nervously.

From the room alone, I could tell that this place belonged to a noble. The fresh scent of summer came rolling in through the large, opened window. Pastel colored wallpaper decorated the room, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Even the flower arrangements looked like they came straight out of a brochure.

"You are in Chilsela, my lady."

Chilsela?

"Our master brought you here to recuperate."

"That's right!"

"Quit pushing, ladies! I want to say something too!"

"Gigi, you are stepping on my foot! Ow!"

What a lively bunch they are. As I delighted in their bickering, my stomach suddenly let out a loud growl, which startled all of us. In an instant, the room grew quiet, with only the noise of the chirping birds from outside the window.

"Ah! My lady must be starving!"

Why do they keep referring to me as if I was some noble? What is going on here?

"I will fetch her ladyship's meal at once."

"Paulette, be sure to pick out my lady's outfit for the evening."

"Yes, madam!"

They were so enthusiastic that I was having a hard time catching their names. 

"I will prepare her bath. Has anyone seen the rose-scented soap that the master brought in a while ago?"

"I believe his high-I-I mean master left it in the bathhouse."

So many movements around me, my head is spinning.

++++++

"Y-your highness? Are you…chuckling?"

The sudden change in his demeanor worries me quite a bit. I can't read him at all.  A while ago, he looked as if he would race to the capital to confront the emperor. Now he is grinning like a child. Whatever he's plotting in his head, I want no part in it. Come to think of it, this is the very first time I'm witnessing a smile on his face.

"Your highness, as I was saying. Please allow me to escort Fatima back home. She is after all, an employee of the Kartier duchy."

"Why are you so intent on having her close to you, Dimitriu? Have you come to realize your feelings for her? Are you going to profess your undying love for her?" He asked with a most unpleasant frown on his face.

"It's nothing like that, your highness. I merely wish to thank her for what she did. She sacrificed her life to save my father's. No one in the world would do something like that. When I think about the way she was treated before then, I feel terribly sorry for her."

"Fatima does not need your pity, Dimitriu." he interrupted sternly.

"Your highness, that isn't at all what I mean. I merely wish to repay her kindness for-"

"If that's the case, then why not just set her free?"

"Y-your highness, that isn't as easy as you are making it sound."

His icy glare is making me feel rather uncomfortable. I canbarely meet his eyes at this rate.

"Are you not now the new duke Kartier?"

"Y-yes…however that is not yet official-"

"Don't tell me you're planning on exploiting her special talent."

"Your highness I would never do such-"

"Then, what do you intend to do with her?"

He's making me feel like a cornered prey. As if every word uttered, questions asked, is a trap. Why is he suddenly getting upset?

"Pardon our interruption, young masters. We have brought her ladyship."